This study aims to structure guidelines for an intervention model from the perspective of Integral Project Management to improve the competitiveness level of cacao associations in south region of Colombia. The research followed a mixed-method approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design and a descriptive scope. The study employed a stage-based analytical framework which included: identifying the factors influencing the competitiveness of the cacao sector; grouping these factors under the six primary determinants of competitiveness with reference to Porter’s Diamond Model; and proposing guidelines for an intervention model to enhance the competitiveness of the studied associations through project management. The first stage was conducted via literature review. The second stage involved primary data collected through surveys and interviews with the associations, members, and cacao sector experts in Huila. The third stage entailed grouping the factors within the main determinants that promote and limit the competitiveness of the cacao sector in the context of Porter’s Diamond Model. Based on the analysis of the corresponding restrictive and promoting factors, strategic recommendations were formulated for the various sector stakeholders on the measures that can be adopted to address restrictive factors and maintain promoting factors to enhance and sustain the sector's competitiveness.

This paper investigates the factors influencing credit growth in Kosovo, focusing on the relationship between credit activity and key economic variables, including GDP, FDI, CPI, and interest rates. Its analysis targets loans issued to businesses and households in Kosovo, employing a VAR model integrated into a VEC model to investigate the determinants of credit growth. The findings were validated using OLS regression. Additionally, the study includes a normality test, a model stability test (Inverse Roots AR Characteristic Polynomial), a Granger causality test for short-term relationships, and variance decomposition to analyze variable shocks over time. This research demonstrates that loan growth is primarily driven by its historical values. The VEC model shows that, in the long run, economic growth in Kosovo leads to less credit growth, showing a negative link between it and GDP. Higher interest rates also reduce credit growth, showing another negative link. On the other hand, more foreign direct investment (FDI) increases credit demand, showing a positive link between credit growth and FDI. The results show that loans and inflation (CPI) are positively linked, meaning higher inflation leads to more credit growth. Similarly, more foreign direct investment (FDI) increases credit demand, showing a positive link between FDI and credit growth. In the long term, higher inflation is connected to greater credit growth. In the short term, the VAR model suggests that GDP has a small to moderate effect on loans, while FDI has a slightly negative effect. In the VAR model, interest rates have a mixed effect: one coefficient is positive and the other negative, showing a delayed negative impact on loan growth. CPI has a small and negative effect, indicating little short-term influence on credit growth. The OLS regression supports the VAR results, finding no effect of GDP on loans, a small negative effect from FDI, a strong negative effect from interest rates, and no effect from CPI. This study provides a detailed analysis and adds to the research by showing how macroeconomic factors affect credit growth in Kosovo. The findings offer useful insights for policymakers and researchers about the relationship between these factors and credit activity.

Night tourism, increasingly recognized as integral to the travel experience, has gained attention for its impact on overall tourist satisfaction. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of night tourism development in Vietnam’s coastal cities, focusing on Nha Trang and Quang Ngai, as representative cases of mature and emerging destinations, respectively. Utilizing the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) tool, the study aims to provide practical insights for sustainable night tourism. Surveys with 524 domestic tourists were conducted to evaluate perceptions and satisfaction levels. Nha Trang emphasizes accessibility and vibrant nightlife, with a focus on the night market and outdoor shows. Conversely, Quang Ngai highlights its night landscape, dining options, and shopping areas. Recommendations for both destinations include enhancing entertainment offerings and reassessing priorities based on tourist preferences. The study underscores the need for tailored strategies to foster sustainable night tourism development that aligns with evolving tourist demands in coastal cities like Nha Trang and Quang Ngai.

The study evaluates to what extent logistics performance and its components impact Vietnam’s bilateral export value. The augmented Gravity model is applied on panel data in the period from 2010 to 2018. Logistics efficiency is measured by Logistic performance index (LPI) and its sub-indices developed by the World Bank. A variety of diagnostic tests and estimation methods are employed to ensure the stability of the results. The main findings confirm that all explanatory variables demonstrate the expected signs, and aggregate logistics performance and its sub-indices have positive impacts on Vietnam’s export flows, with the magnitude of logistics impacts is greater than other factors in the research model. Among LPI components of Vietnam, Ease of arranging shipments index is the most influential factor on exports, followed by Infrastructure, Timeliness, and Quality of logistics services. These export’s effects are also identified by partners’ LPI indicators namely Quality of logistics services, Customs, Infrastructure, and Tracking and tracing.

This paper aims to explore how to build a sustainable peace and development model for China’s peacekeeping efforts through the application of data-driven methods from UN Global Pulse. UN Global Pulse is a United Nations agency dedicated to using big data and artificial intelligence technologies to address global challenges. In this paper, we will introduce the working principles of UN Global Pulse and its application in the fields of peacekeeping and development. Then, we will discuss the current situation of China’s participation in peacekeeping operations and how data-driven methods can help China play a greater role in peacekeeping tasks. Finally, we will propose a sustainable peace and development model that combines data-driven methods with the advantages of China’s peacekeeping efforts to achieve long-term peace and development goals.